TOO MANY GRAPES

Pulling thousands of hectares of grape vines are among the several strategies Aussies are putting forth to fight off this year’s grape surplus. The Wine Grape Growers Australia and the Winemakers Federation have recommended a “vine retirement scheme” to remove the less popular varieties like cabernet. Their schemes will be presented to the government as the winegrowers ask for a loan, something that “the wine industry doesn’t really favor” doing, says Grape Growers chairman, Paul Clancy.